Method and apparatus for constructing elevated structures

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for forming elevated structures. A first construction component is emplaced at a construction site, supported by an underlying earth formation. A second construction component is locked in cantilevered relation to the first such component. A support is extended downwardly from the second component, distal the first component, into load bearing engagement with the earth formation, whereafter the second component is interlocked to the support. The ends of the longitudinal components have improved locks in which a connector of the male lock can be passed through a receiving bore in a female lock only if oriented in a particular angular position, whereafter, if rotated to a different angular position, it cannot be withdrawn from the receiving bore. Similar locks are provided for interconnecting such longitudinal components in side-by-side relation via transom components. At least some of the ends of the longitudinal components have guides for the supports, with an improved manner of interassociating such guides with the remainders of the components.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 704,500, filed Feb. 22, 1985,Now U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,257.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the construction of elevatedstructures such as bridges, piers or docks, offshore structures, andelevated platforms of various types. The invention encompasses bothmethods and apparatus for such construction. These methods and apparatusare useful when it is necessary to build such structures in difficultenvironments, e.g. over bodies of water. However, they are likewisesuitable for many other construction projects, such as the building ofoverpasses and the like in highway construction.

In the past, it has been known to construct elevated structures such asplatforms in relatively shallow bodies of water utilizing buoyantmembers of a type used to form barges and the like. In some cases,several such buoyant members would be connected together by lockassemblies carried thereon to form a platform. Pilings could be driventhrough suitable guides on the platform, whereafter the platform wasjacked up on these pilings and ultimately locked to the pilings forsupport thereby.

This scheme still remains desirable for many applications. However, itdoes make use of buoyant members particularly designed for use informing barge-like structures, which may not be necessary for someprojects. Furthermore, it utilizes a locking system primarily designedfor floating structures and which likewise may not be necessary forother kinds of structures. Thus, there has been room for improvement inthis scheme, depending on the type of structure to be built.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a method of forming elevated structures,apparatus in the form of a system for constructing such structures, andindividual elements of such system, including construction componentsand locks for locking the components to one another.

In accord with the method of the present invention, at least oneconstruction component is emplaced at a construction site supported byan underlying earth formation. Such support may be direct, as where thecomponent rests directly on the ground, or indirect, e.g. by means ofsuitable pilings or the like. In some instances, one end of thecomponent may be supported directly and the other indirectly.

In any event, the method includes the positioning of a secondconstruction component adjacent the first component. The secondcomponent is then supported in cantilever fashion on the first componentby locking said second component to said first component. Support meansis then extended downwardly from the second component into load bearingengagement with the earth formation. Finally, the second component isinterlocked to the support means for support thereby.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, thetwo components are longitudinal components, and the first is so emplacedwith both ends thereof supported by the earth formation. The secondcomponent is positioned with one end thereof adjacent one end of thefirst component, whereafter the adjacent ends are locked together toeffect the aforementioned temporary cantilevering of the secondcomponent from the first component. When the support means are extendedfrom the second component, they are so extended distal that end which islocked to the first component, so that, after the second component isinterlocked, to the support means, it is then fully supported, i.e.supported at both ends, on the earth formation, whereafter it can beused as a base for further building out of a third component.

Even more specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the longitudinalconstruction components comprise girders, and at least the one end ofthe first longitudinal component to which the second longitudinalcomponent is connected is elevated above the earth formation. Aplurality of such first longitudinal components are so emplaced on theconstruction site in side-by-side relation and are connected together,preferably by transom construction components which lie perpendicular tothe longitudinal components and space them apart to form a first span. Aplurality of second longitudinal components are locked endwise torespective longitudinal components of the first span, then laterallyconnected by transom components to form a second span, and finallysupported by support means in the aforementioned manner. Preferably, thesupport means comprise pilings extending generally through thelongitudinal components and driven into their load bearing engagementwith the earth formation. Additional spans can be incrementally built onin like manner to form a structure of any desired length.

The construction system of the present invention comprises a pluralityof longitudinal construction components each comprising a girder havingprimary locking means on its ends for locking the girders together inend-to-end relation. The primary locking means include both male andfemale locks. In addition, the girders preferably also have a pluralityof auxiliary locking means along their lateral sides. Cooperativeauxiliary locking means are provided on the ends of the transomcomponents which are used to connect the girders of each span side byside.

Each end of each girder has a pair of arms extending longitudinallyoutwardly from opposite lateral sides thereof to define a channel therebetween. The construction component further comprises guide meansdisposed in at least one of the channels of each girder but protrudingendwise therefrom. Each guide means is rigidly affixed to the adjacentend of the respective girder and has a throughway for receipt of asupport member such as a piling. The throughway is disposed transverseto the end-to-end length of the girder as well as to the lateralside-to-side width of the girder. Interlock means are associated witheach guide means. When the throughway is generally vertically orientedand the support member is in the bore, the interlock means isinterengageable between the guide means and the support member to allowthe guide means, and thus the attached girder, to be supported on thesupport member.

The guide means preferably also comprises a flange underlying theattached girder end and extending at least partially along the portionof the guide means protruding from the girder channel. Thus, this flangecan help to locate and support a girder of the next span as it is lockedin cantilever relation to the first girder.

A locking system according to the invention, whether primary orauxiliary, comprises an elongate connector member having a shank and ahead rigidly carried on one end of the shank. The head has first andsecond transverse dimensions measured in perpendicular directions, andthe first transverse dimension is substantially greater than the second.The first transverse dimension is also substantially greater than thetransverse dimension of the shank measured parallel to the firsttransverse dimension.

The locking system further comprises a carrier member having a frontface which, in use, faces outwardly endwise of the attached girder, anda rear face at the opposite end of the member. A carrier bore extendsthrough the carrier member from front to rear and receives the connectormember for longitudinal reciprocation.

The system includes a receiving member having similar front and rearfaces and a receiving bore therethrough. The receiving bore has firstand second transverse dimensions measured in perpendicular directions.The first transverse dimension of the receiving bore is greater than thefirst transverse dimension of the connector head, while the secondtransverse dimension of the receiving bore is greater than the secondtransverse dimension of the connector head but less than its firsttransverse dimension.

Thus, the receiving bore will permit passage of the head of theconnector member therethrough when the bores of the carrier andreceiving members are coaxially aligned and the first transversedimension of the head is arranged parallel to the first transversedimension of the receiving bore but will prevent such passage if theconnector is rotated 90° so that the first transverse dimension of thehead lies parallel to the second transverse dimension of the receivingbore.

Finally, the locking sub-system includes securing means selectivelyinterengageable between the connector member and the carrier member tolimit forward movement of the connector member with respect to thecarrier member.

The connector member, carrier member and securing means make up a malelock, while the receiving member forms the female lock. In preferredembodiments, the rear face of the receiving member has recess meansextending longitudinally thereinto communicating with and extendingradially outwardly from the receiving bore parallel to its secondtransverse dimension. The recess means is adapted to at least partiallyclosely receive the head of the connector member when the firsttransverse dimension of the head is arranged parallel to the secondtransverse dimension of the receiving bore.

In use, a construction component having at least one lock will be inplace and supported by the aforementioned support means when anotherconstruction component is positioned adjacent thereto with locks ofopposite gender on the respective construction components facing eachother and brought into abutment. Turning the head of the connectormember so that its first or largest transverse dimension lies parallelto the first or largest transverse dimension of the receiving bore ofthe female lock, the connector member can be advanced through saidreceiving bore. Then, the connector member is rotated about its own axis90°, so that its head can be placed in the recess means at the rear ofthe receiving member. This helps to properly position the connectormember while the securing means are interengaged between the connectormember and the carrier member. By preventing further forward movement ofthe connector member, the securing means holds the head of the connectormember tight against the rear of the receiving member whereby the twolocks, and thus the attached construction components, are lockedtogether. The recess means ensure that the connector head will not workits way around to a position in which it could slip through thereceiving bore.

The auxiliary locking means are generally similar to the primary lockingmeans in structure and principle of operation. However, in preferredembodiments, the primary locking means are designed so that theconnector member cooperates with the carrier and receiving members totake shear loads in at least one transverse direction. In the auxiliarylocking system, by way of contrast, special shear bearing formations areprovided on the carrier members and receiving members for directcooperation with each other.

Accordingly, with the primary locking system, even if there are twolocks disposed one above the other on a longitudinal constructioncomponent, that component can be emplaced in and removed from a positionin which it can be locked to another such component by strictly verticalmovements. This is particularly advantageous in disassembly since thepilings pass vertically through the longitudinal components and wouldinterfere with lateral movements.

The simplicity of the locking means, both in form and operation, allowsthem to comprise individual components which are relatively strong. Yet,because of the aforementioned simplicity, and in particular, the factthat the number of components in each lock is relatively few, the locksas a whole are not unduly heavy, bulky or oversized with respect to theconstruction components on which they are carried. Thus, they are wellsuited for use in the construction of bridges and other elevatedstructures wherein the locks must bear large loads. Furthermore, thesimplicity of operation of the locking means makes them particularlywell suited for use in construction projects in the context of theremote locations and other difficult circumstances under which theconstruction system and method may be used.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide animproved method of forming an elevated structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedconstruction system.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved constructioncomponents for use in such system and method.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedlocking system for locking together construction components.

Still other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill be made apparent by the following detailed description, thedrawings and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first span of a structure being formedwithout decking and prior to elevation to its intended height.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 showing the structureelevated to its intended height.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a second span of the structurebeing built out from the first span.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 4 in which, forconvenience of illustration, various portions of the second span areshown in different stages of completion.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view, with parts broken away, of one endof one of the girders with its associated guide means.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the guide means taken on theline 7--7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 8--8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 9--9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal view, partly in section and partly inelevation, of a jack assembly which may be associated with one of theguide means and its support member for elevating the first span to itsintended height, and showing the apparatus prior to elevation.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 10 showing the apparatus afterelevation.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of one end of a longitudinalconstruction component showing the mounting of the locks.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the longitudinal construction component takenon the line 13--13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a primary locking system prior tolocking the male and female locks together.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.14 with the male and female locks locked together.

FIG. 16 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken on the line 16--16 inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken on the line 17--17 ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of one of the transom componentsinterconnecting adjacent girders and showing the lateral portions ofsaid girders in cross section.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken axially through maleand female locks of the auxiliary locking system, and showing the locksprior to engagement.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to that of FIG. 19 showing the auxiliary locksafter engagement.

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a pair of auxiliary female lockstaken on the line 21--21 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of a pair of auxiliary male lockstaken on the line 22--22 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through engaged auxiliarymale and female locks taken on the line 23--23 of FIG. 20 but showingone connector advanced and locked and the other retracted.

FIG. 24 is a transverse cross-sectional view through engaged male andfemale auxiliary locks taken on the line 24--24 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a transverse view of engaged male and female auxiliary lockstaken from the rear of the female locks on the line 25--25 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 is a transverse view of engaged male and female auxiliary lockstaken from the rear of the male locks on the line 26--26 of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention illustrated in the context of an exemplaryconstruction project involving the building of an elevated platform in ashallow body of water. Various aspects of the invention may also be usedin connection with many other types of projects, and in otherenvironments, in some cases involving modifications of the exemplaryembodiment shown. As used herein, "elevated structure" will mean anystructure of which at least part is spaced above the underlying earthformation as by pilings or other supports. Non-exclusive examplesinclude: bridges, overpasses, offshore platforms and piers.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a firstspan of the platform to be constructed. This first span comprises fivelongitudinal construction components 10 connected side-by-side bytransom components 28. Each longitudinal component 10 comprises anelongate girder 12 and a pair of pile guide assemblies 14, each of whichis affixed to a respective one of the two ends of the girder 12.

More specifically, and referring now also to FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 12, eachend of each of the girders 12 has a pair of arms 16 extendinglongitudinally outwardly from opposite lateral sides thereof to define achannel 18 therebetween. The respective pile guide assembly 14 is squarein transverse cross section, and the channel 18 is correspondinglyshaped to abut the outer sides of the pile guide assembly 14 on threesides. Arms 16 are sized to extend approximately half way across thepile guide assembly 14, so that half the pile guide assembly protrudesendwise from the girder 12.

The outer ends of arms 16 carry primary locking means. At each end ofeach of a girder 12, one of the two arms 16 carries a pair of verticallyspaced primary female locks 20, and the other arm carries a pair ofvertically spaced male locks 22 so that there are a total of four lockson each end of the girder 12.

Each girder 12 also has a plurality of auxiliary female locks 24 mountedon its lateral sides. Transom construction components 28 have, on theirends, auxiliary male locks 26 designed for cooperation with auxiliaryfemale locks 24.

As best shown in FIG. 18, each of the transom members 28 is generally inthe form of a truss including upper and lower horizontal members 30 and32, respectively, diagonal bracing members 34, and vertical end members36. The forms of these various members will be described more fullybelow. The members are rigidly affixed to one another in any suitablemanner, as well known in the art, e.g. by welding. The girders 12 maytake various forms, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art, andin particular may be provided with closure skins 38 of sheet metal sothat they may be made buoyant. Girders 12 would typically also includesuitable internal struts and/or other reinforcing means, as would beapparent to one of skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, one of the pile guide assemblies 14 isillustrated in greater detail. The assembly 14 includes a housing orcasing comprising side walls 40 which define the aforementioned squaretransverse cross-sectional configuration. Upper and lower end walls 42and 44, respectively, are rigidly affixed to side walls 40 in a suitablemanner, e.g. by welding.

Upper wall 42 has a central opening 46. Slightly below the upperextremity of upper wall 42, and integral therewith, are a plurality oflips 48 circumferentially spaced from one another about opening 46 andextending radially thereinto. Upper wall 42 is also provided with slots50 located outwardly of central opening 46 near the four corners ofupper wall 42. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, upper wall 42 is reinforcedalong its underside by a rectangular skirt 52 extending downwardlyadjacent the outer extremity of wall 42, a cylindrical skirt 54extending downwardly adjacent and partially defining central opening 46,and a plurality of gussets 56 interconnecting skirts 52 and 54.

Lower wall 44 has a central opening 58 in register with opening 46 ofupper wall 42. Lower wall 44 is reinforced by a rectangular skirt 60extending upwardly just inside lateral walls 40. A short cylindricalskirt or lip 62 extends upwardly adjacent opening 58, and a sleeve 64 oflike inner and outer diameters is affixed to and extends upwardly fromlip 58 to a point spaced somewhat below upper wall 42 and itsreinforcing structures. The upper end of sleeve 64 is braced againstside walls 40 by a horizontal plate 63. Thus, a central throughway isdefined in assembly 14 by opening 58, the interior of sleeve 64, thehollow gap between sleeve 64 and wall 42, and opening 46. A flange 66integral with lower wall 44 extends laterally outwardly beyond lateralwalls 40 so as to form a square rim extending about the entire peripheryof the pile guide assembly 14 at its lower extremity. Flange 66underlies and abuts the end of the attached girder 12 and its arms 16.

An interlock member 68 is associated with upper wall 42 of the pileguide assembly 14. Interlock member 68 includes an upper horizontalplate 70 having a central bore 72 with slots 74 extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom. Member 68 further comprises a cylindrical skirt 76extending downwardly from plate 72 and spaced inwardly from the outerextremity of plate 70 so that it can pass through lips 48. A pluralityof lugs 78 formed integrally with skirt 76 extend radially outwardlytherefrom, spaced circumferentially from one another. Lugs 78 are sizedso that, if aligned with the portions of opening 46 between lips 48,skirt 76 can be lowered through opening 46 until the outer edge of plate70 rests on lips 48. Then, if member 68 is rotated (by engaging a toolwith slots 74) so that lugs 78 underly lips 48, member 68 cannot bewithdrawn from bore 48, and conversely, if member 68 is suitablysupported, the entire assembly 14 may in turn be supported thereon byvirtue of the interengagement of lips 48 and lugs 78.

As will be explained more fully hereinafter, such support of member 68is provided by support means in the form of cylindrical pilings 80, eachof which is associated with a respective one of the assemblies 14. Forpurposes of the present discussion, it is sufficient to note that skirt76 is sized to surround piling 80, and that if piling 80 is disposedwithin assembly 14, plate 70 may rest on its upper end, and with lugs 78underlying lips 48, member 68 may thus interlock assembly 14 to piling18 for support thereby. Skirt 76 has a relatively loose fit about piling80, to avoid jamming, while sleeve 64 and rim may have a closer fit forguiding piling 80.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-17, the primary locking means on one end of agirder 12 will be described in greater detail. The female lock 20comprises a block-like receiving member generally in the form of arectangular parallelepiped 82. On each lateral side of the girder 12,the upper and lower extremities of the outer casing are formed by angleiron members 39 and 41 respectively. Each of the members 39 and 41 hasone leg generally vertically disposed welded to and forming acontinuation of the skin 38. The other leg of each of members 39 and 41is disposed lowermost thereon and extends laterally outwardly to form aflange. The receiving member 82 of the uppermost female lock is weldedto the underside of the laterally twardly extending leg of upper angleiron member 39, as well as to the skin 38 therebelow. Receiving member82 of the lowermost female lock is welded to the upper side of thelaterally outwardly extending flange of lower angle iron member 41 aswell as to the other leg of member 41 extending upwardly along thelaterally inner side of the lower receiving member 82. To further bracethe upper and lower receiving members 82, they are interconnected by aplate-like web 43, also connected to the receiving members 82 bywelding.

The face 86 of each receiving member 82 which faces outwardly from therespective girder arm 16 will be considered its forward face, and theopposite face 88 will be considered its rear face. It is specificallynoted that this manner of mounting the receiving blocks 82 gives them agood deal of support and bracing, while leaving their front and rearfaces 86 and 88 and their laterally outer sides exposed so that thelocks may be operated in the manner described hereinbelow.

The upper female lock will now be more fully described in conjunctionwith FIGS. 14-17, and it should be understood that the lower female lockis identical, though differently oriented, as will be described morefully hereinafter. A receiving bore 90 extends through member 82 fromfront to rear, opening through both faces 86 and 88. Bore 90 isgenerally rectangular in transverse cross section, having a firsttransverse dimension P₁ (in the case of the upper lock, its horizontalwidth) which is substantially greater than its other transversedimension P₂. A pair of recesses 92 extend longitudinally into rear face88. Recesses 92 are located respectively above and below bore 90. Theycommunicate with bore 90 and extend radially outwardly therefromparallel to its second transverse dimension P₂, and more specifically,above and below bore 90. As shown in FIG. 13, the receiving member 82 ofthe lower female lock is oriented with the first or largest transversedimension of its rectangular bore 90 oriented vertically.

Each male lock 22 comprises a block-like carrier member 94, a connectormember 96, and a securing nut 104. The relationship of the carriermembers 94 to the various parts of the respective girder arms 16 onwhich they are mounted is the same as that for the receiving members 82of the female locks. Briefly, the carrier member 94 of the upper malelock is welded to the underside of the upper angle iron member 39 and tothe skin 38 thereunder. The carrier member 94 of the lower male lock isnested in the angle of lower angle iron member 41 and welded to bothlegs thereof. The carrier members 94 are interconnected and braced byweb 43. Again, the mounting method allows access to the locks from thelaterally outer side of the girder 12 for operation in the mannerdescribed hereinbelow.

Again referring to FIGS. 14-17, the upper male lock will be described indetail, and it will be understood that the lower male lock is identicalexcept for orientation. Connector member 96 is in the form of anelongate bolt having a shank 98 and a T-head 100 integrally formed atone end thereof. Head 100 has first and second transverse dimensions,perpendicular to each other. Although these dimensions are tapered fromfront-to-rear, as described below, they will, for convenience, begenerally denoted "H₁ " and "H₂ ", respectively. The first or longerdimension H₁ is everywhere substantially greater than the second H₂. Thelateral surfaces of head 100 are inclined slightly toward each otherfrom rear to front so that both the first and second transversedimensions decrease from rear to front. However, the first or largertransverse dimension H₁ of head 100 is everywhere greater than thediameter of shank 98. The second or narrower transverse dimension H₂ ofhead 100 is equal to the diameter of shank 98 at its juncture therewith,decreasing forwardly therefrom.

Carrier member 94 is in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped havingfront face 105 and rear face 106. Carrier member 94 also has a carrierbore 102 extending therethrough from front to rear and in whichconnector member 96 is carried. Bore 102 has a cylindrical rear portion102a and a rectangular forward portion 102b. Front portion 102b is sizedand shaped like bore 90 of receiving member 20 so that it has first andsecond transverse dimensions perpendicular to each other, the firstbeing greater than the second. The carrier member 94 of the upper malelock is oriented such that the first or greater transverse dimension ofbore portion 102b lies horizontally, while the carrier member 94 of thelower male lock is oriented such that the first or greater transversedimension of its forward bore portion 102b lies vertically, all as shownin FIG. 13.

The diameter of rear portion 102a is sized for a sliding fit on shank98, and is equal to the second transverse dimension P₂ of receiving bore90, and thus, to the corresponding dimension of portion 102b of carrierbore 102. Thus, both bores have a sliding fit on shank 98 throughouttheir length. The first transverse dimension P₁ of receiving bore 90 andthe corresponding dimension of front portion 102b of carrier bore 102may likewise be sized for a sliding fit on the rear portion of head 100,but in any event, are sized to permit head 100 to be received therein.Thus, dimension P₁ of receiving bore 90 is at least slightly greaterthan the first and longer transverse dimension H₁ of head 100, anddimension P₂ is greater than the second head dimension H₂ but less thanH₁. Therefore, head 100 can pass through bore 9O only if H₁ liesparallel to P₁.

The portion of shank 98 which is disposed in bores 90 and 102 in use issmooth. The tail of shank 98 is threaded as indicated at 98a. Securingmeans in the form of a nut 104 threaded onto tail 98a is engageable withthe rear face 106 of carrier member 94 to limit forward movement ofconnector member 96 with respect to carrier member 94.

As shown in FIG. 13, when girder 12 is viewed endwise, i.e. lookingtoward the front faces 86 and 105 of the locks, the two female locks aredisposed on the lefthand arm 16, while the two male locks are disposedon the righthand arm. Also, as mentioned above, the upper female lockhas its longer transverse bore dimension arranged horizontally, and thelower female lock has its longer transverse bore dimension arrangedvertically, with the respective upper and lower male locks having theforward portions 102b of their carrier bores correspondingly oriented.Each end of each girder 12 has the same arrangement of primary locks,both in terms of the locations of male and female locks and theorientations of their bores.

Accordingly, if two girders are placed end-to-end, the forward face 86of each receiving member of a female lock will abut the forward face 105of the carrier member of a male lock, and the longer transversedimension of the receiving bore will lie parallel to the longertransverse dimension of the forward portion 102b of the carrier bore.Then, if head 100 is positioned so that its greatest transversedimension H₁ lies parallel to the first transverse dimension P₁ of theopposed bore 90, connector member 96 can be passed through receivingbore 90. The tapering of head 100 so that its transverse dimensionsdecrease from rear to front helps in guiding head 100 into bore 90.Then, head 100 can be rotated 90°, and shank 98 pulled slightlyrearwardly with respect to carrier member 94 so that head 100 rests inrecess means 92, which are sized to receive head 100 fairly snugly.Finally, nut 104 can be advanced along shank 98 so that it abuts therear face 106 of carrier member 94. This prevents connector member 96from moving forwardly with respect to carrier member 94, i.e. holds head100 firmly in recesses 92. Thus, connector member 96 and nut 104 holdthe receiving member 82 and carrier member 94 together, while therecesses 92 prevent head 100 from rotating to a position where it couldslip through receiving bore 90. Because the second transverse dimensionP₂ of receiving bore 90 is sized for a sliding fit on the outer diameterof shank 98, and bore 102 is correspondingly sized, shear loads betweenthe two girders on which the locks are carried may be transmitteddirectly from either of members 82 or 94, through connector member 96,to the other of members 82 or 94 in at least one transverse direction(vertical in the case of upper locks).

Referring now to FIGS. 18-26, one of the transom components 28 and theauxiliary locking means associated therewith will be described indetail. The auxiliary locking means 24, 26 are generally similar to theprimary locking means in form and principle of operation, but differ indetail.

The upper member 30 of each transom member 28 is T-shaped, having ahorizontal head 30a and a base 30b extending vertically downwardly fromhead 30a. Similarly, lower member 32 is an inverted T-shaped memberhaving a head 32a extending horizontally and a base 32b extendingvertically upwardly therefrom. The end members 36 are in the form ofwebs interconnecting and forming continuations of thevertically-extending bases 30b and 32b.

Each end of transom member 28 carries four of the male locks 26. Thelocks are arranged in pairs, including a pair of upper male lockslocated on opposite sides of base 30b of upper transom member 30, and apair of lower male locks located on opposite sides of base 32b of lowertransom member 32.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 18, each lateral side of each girder 12has a plurality of vertical webs 110 at locations spaced along thelength of the girder. Each web 110 is welded between the laterallyextending legs of the upper and lower angle members 39 and 41 on therespective side of the girder. Similarly, the female locks 24 arearranged in groups of vertically spaced pairs, each group including apair of upper female locks 24 on opposite sides of one of the webs 110,and a pair of lower female locks on opposite sides of the same web 110but spaced below the upper locks. A long, vertically oriented plate 112is affixed, as by welding, to each of the webs 110 so that it extendsacross the outer edge of the web 112. Each such plate 112 forms a partof all four of the female locks 24 associated with the respective web110. For purposes of the present description, the upper female locks 24will be described, and it should be understood that the lower femalelocks 24 are identical both in form and orientation.

In addition to the common plate 112, each of the female locks furtherincludes a respective second plate 114 affixed, as by welding, to therear of plate 112. In addition, the upper female locks include a thirdplate 116 welded to the front of plate 112. The receiving member of eachfemale lock includes its respective plate 114, along with the alignedportions of plates 112 and 116.

Plates 112 and 114 have registering slots 118 and 120 openingtherethrough in the front-to-rear direction. Slots 118 and 120 form theforward and rear portions, respectively, of the receiving bore of thefemale lock 24. As best shown in FIG. 21, the slots 118 and 120 havefirst and second transverse dimensions perpendicular to each other, thefirst such dimension or vertical height A₁ being substantially greaterthan the second such dimension or horizontal width A₂.

In addition to the rear portion 120 of the receiving bore, each plate114 defines a pair of recesses 121 communicating with and extendinglaterally outwardly from slot 120 transverse to its height A₁ andfurther opening longitudinally rearwardly through the rear surface ofplate 114.

Plate 116 serves as a forwardly projecting shear bearing formation in amanner to be described more fully hereinafter. Plate 116 is disposed inthe vicinity of the lower halves of the slots 118 for the upper femalelocks. Plate 116 has a pair of notches 122 extending longitudinallytherethrough, i.e. in the front-to-rear direction, and opening upwardlythrough the upper edge 124 of plate 116. Notches 122 correspond inconfiguration and register with the lower halves of respective slots118. As shown in FIG. 21, upper edge 124 includes portions extendinglaterally outwardly from either side of each of the two openings 118half way along their vertical height. Edge 124 also includes a shallowgroove 126 between and spaced from its two notches 122.

A plate 128 is welded to each end of transom member 28 so that itextends between the heads 30a and 32a of the upper and lower members 30and 32 as well as across the bases 30b and 32b and the intervening web36. Plate 128 forms part of the carrier members of each of the four malelock assemblies 26 on each end of transom component 28, and again, onlythe upper locks will be described in detail.

As in the case of the female lock assemblies, each carrier memberincludes a respective plate 130 welded to the rear of plate 128. Inaddition, a plate 132 is welded to the front of plate 128 and forms aforwardly projecting shear bearing formation for both of the upper malelocks. For each of the male locks, the plate 128 has a respective slot134 therethrough similar to the slots 118 of the female locks in size,shape and orientation. Each plate 130 has a circular bore 136 alignedwith the slot 134 of the respective male lock. The aligned slot 134 andbore 136 form the front and rear portions, respectively, of the carrierbore of the respective male lock. As best shown in FIG. 20, the diameterof each bore 136 is equal to the horizontal width of the registeringslot 134.

Plate 132 lies generally in the vicinity of the upper halves of slots134. Plate 132 has a pair of notches 138 extending longitudinallytherethrough, corresponding in configuration to the upper halves ofrespective slots 134, lying in register therewith, and openingdownwardly. The lower edge 140 of plate 132 forms a downwardly facingabutment surface having portions extending laterally outwardly from eachof the slots 134 half way along their height. In addition, intermediateand spaced from the two notches 138, edge 140 has a downwardlyprojecting tab 142 configured to mate with groove 126 in plate 116 ofthe female locks.

Each of the male locks 26 further comprises a connector member in theform of a T-head bolt having threaded shank 144 and T-head 146. Shank144 is sized for a loose fit in bore 136. T-head 146 is sized to passreadily through slots 136, 118 and 120. The fit of head 146 in theseslots is relatively loose, but is close enough so that head 146 can passthrough the slots only if it is oriented with its longest transversedimension extending vertically as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20.

A securing nut 148 is threaded to the shank 144, and a lock washer 150is interposed between nut 148 and the rear surface of plate 130.

Thus, when the receiving bores 118, 120 of the upper female locks are inregister with front portions 134 of the carrier bores of upper malelocks 26, and head 146 is vertically oriented, it can be passed throughthe carrier and receiving bores, rotated 90°, and then drawn back in areverse direction so that it is retained in recesses 121. Notches 122and 138 permit such passage of head 146 through shear bearing plates 132and 116. The front faces of each mated pair of male and female lockswill be brought into firm abutment as each nut 148 is advanced on itsrespective shank 144 until it engages the respective lock washer 150.With the entire assembly thus tightly locked, surfaces 124 and 140 willbe in abutment with each other, and will transfer vertical shear loadsdirectly between the carrier and receiving members, without imposingsuch loads on the connector members 144, 146, the latter merely exertinga horizontal force to hold the male and female locks together. It shouldalso be noted that, as the locks are being mated, tab 142 will mate withgroove 126 to assist in the proper alignment of the carrier andreceiving bores.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary construction procedure inaccord with the method of the present invention will be described. Inparticular, the exemplary construction procedure will be that of formingan elongate elevated platform in a shallow body of water.

A first span, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is formed by assemblingconstruction components in accord with the present invention. This firstspan includes five of the elongate primary construction components 12,14arranged parallel, side by side, and laterally spaced apart. Components12, 14 are connected in such relation by transom components 28. Inparticular, each transom component 28 may be lowered into the spacebetween a pair of adjacent girders 12, but offset along the length ofthe girders 12 from the locus of the auxiliary female locks 24 to whichit will be connected.

The transom member is lowered in this offset position until the lowermale locks 26 have cleared the upper female locks 24, i.e. are disposedlower than such female locks. Then, the transom member may be movedlengthwise along the girders 12 until it is aligned with the femalelocks 24. Next, the transom member is further lowered and suitablyguided until the lower edges 140 of plates 132 rest on the upper edges124 of plates 116 with tabs 142 properly mated in grooves 126. Theconnector members 144, 146 are then passed through the receiving bores118, 120 of the respective aligned receiving members of the femalelocks, are rotated 90°, and then retracted slightly so that their heads146 fit into recesses 121. Bolts 148 are then tightened.

The first span may either be pre-assembled or assembled at theconstruction site. In any event, the span is positioned over theconstruction site, in this case floating on the body of water 152.Either before or after such positioning, the interlock members 68 areremoved from their respective guide assemblies 14, and a piling 80 islowered through the central throughway of each guide assembly 14. Thefirst span is temporarily anchored in a proper orientation with respectto the bottom 154 of the body of water 152, by well known means (notshown) while pilings 80 are driven downwardly into load bearing relationwith bottom 154. This may be done, for example, by suitable power hammermeans either supported on the first span itself or on an adjacentplatform or vessel. Decking (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be emplacedon the top of the first span to bridge gaps between the variousconstruction components.

Next, the pilings 80 are cut off at their upper ends, if necessary, sothat each extends upwardly by a distance corresponding to the intendedheight of the finished platform, and interlock members 68 are placed onthe tops of respective pilings 80. Then, the first span is elevated onthe support pilings 80 by use of jacks. Such jacks may be of anysuitable form, and do not, per se, comprise a part of the presentinvention. However, to clarify the method of the present invention, asimplified form of jack is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Each jack includes a hydraulic cylinder 156 within which is a pistonhaving a piston rod 158 extending outwardly through the lower end ofcylinder 156. The lower end of piston rod 158 is provided with a fitting160 adapted to engage the central opening 72 of a respective one of theinterlock members 68. Rigidly affixed to cylinder 156 is a support frame162. Tie rods 164 are attached to frame 162 and extend downwardlythrough slots 50 in the upper wall of guide assembly 14. The lower endsof the tie rods 164 are connected to upper wall 42 as by enlargedT-heads 166 which engage the underside of wall 42.

Comparing FIGS. 10 and 11, it can be seen that, as the piston isreciprocated in cylinder 156 in such a direction as to extend rod 158,because rod 158 cannot move downwardly, cylinder 156 will move upwardly,carrying with it frame 162, rods 164 and guide assembly 14. To elevatethe first span, a number of such jacks are operated simultaneously inassociation with respective ones of the guide assemblies 14, until thespan has reached the desired height.

Preferably, pilings 80 are pre-cut to an appropriate length so that,when the first span has been elevated to the desired height, their upperedges lie generally flush with the upper surfaces of tongues 48. In anyevent, with pilings 80 adjusted to the appropriate height, and interlockmembers 68 in place on their upper ends, the interlock members 68,having been first positioned with their lugs 78 circumferentially offsetfrom tongues 48 for passage therethrough, are rotated to bring lugs 78into underlying relation to tongues 48. Thus, the interlock members 68rest on their respective support pilings 80, and the guide assemblies 14in turn rest on the interlock members 68, specifically their lugs 78,thereby supporting the first span on the pilings.

If decking 109 has not been previously emplaced on the first span, it isemplaced at this time. The structure is now ready for building out asecond span from the first span.

The second span will be similar to the first span in that it will becomprised of five parallel longitudinal components interconnected bytransom components. However, the primary construction components of thesecond span will differ from those of the first span in that they willhave guide assemblies 14 at only one end of each girder 12'. Using acrane or the like (not shown) which may be supported on the first span,each girder 12' of the second span is positioned in end-to-end relationwith a girder of the first span, and in particular, that end of thegirder 12' which has no guide means therein is positioned adjacent oneend of a girder of the first span so that its channel 18 may surroundthe portion of the guide assembly 14 protruding from the first girderand the end of the second girder and its arms 16 may rest on flange 66.

A worker standing on the first span may then operate the primary lockingmeans to connect the second girder 12' to the first girder 12 incantilever fashion. Because the upper female locks have the shortertransverse dimensions P₂ of their receiving bores 90 orientedvertically, and there is a sliding fit of P₂ on the diameter of shank98, some vertical shear loading can be transmitted through connectormembers 96 of the upper locks. However, most of the vertical load istaken through flange 66 of guide assembly 14 to piling 80. Thepositioning of the lower female locks with the longer dimensions oftheir bores 90 lying vertically avoids the need for extremely precisespacing between the upper and lower locks.

All girders 12' of the second span are connected endwise to respectivegirders 12 of the first span in like manner, then to one another bytransom components 25. Pilings 80 are then driven downwardly through theguide assemblies 14 distal the first span into load bearing relationwith the floor 154 of the body of water 152. Then, utilizing interlockmembers 68 identical to those described hereinabove, the second girders12' are interlocked, via guide assemblies 14, to the support pilings 80.When all of the second girders 12' have been emplaced and interconnectedby transom members 28, decking 109 may be placed on top of the secondspan to bridge the gaps between the girders and/or transom components.

The order of construction of the second span is preferably as justdescribed. However, for convenience, FIG. 5 shows laterally adjacentportions of the second span in various stages of completion. Additionalspans can be similarly added on to construct a platform of any desiredlength.

Disassembly and removal, when desired, can be accomplished, in essence,by reversing the steps outlined above. However, the pilings 80 would notordinarily be completely removed from the underlying earth formation.Rather, a longitudinal construction component to be removed would bedisengaged from its piling(s) by removal of interlock member(s) 68. Thegirder in question would be suitably supported, as by a crane or thelike resting on a portion of the structure not yet being disassembled,and the primary locking means would be disengaged to free thelongitudinal construction component. Because the abutting portions ofthe front faces of the carrier and receiving members are planar, i.e.include no overlapping vertical shear bearing formations, it is thenpossible to lift the longitudinal construction component verticallyupwardly and out of engagement with piling(s) 80 by the aforementionedcrane or the like.

Thus, the ability of the retractable connector members of the primarylocks to transfer vertical shear loads between the carrier and receivingmembers is important in allowing the elimination of shear bearingformations from the last-mentioned members so that the components onwhich they are carried can be emplaced, and more importantly removed, bystraight vertical movements, since lateral movements would be impossibleafter driving of the associated pilings 80. After a given longitudinalcomponent has been thus removed, any piling or pilings previouslyassociated therewith can be severed at an appropriate level, e.g.adjacent the surface of the underlying earth formation, or in somecases, may simply be left in place.

It will be appreciated that the method may be varied somewhat dependingupon the type of structure being formed and the type of earth formationunderlying that structure. For example, in some cases, it is notnecessary to elevate the first span before adding the second span. Inother cases, the entire first span need not be supported on pilings. Forexample, in constructing a bridge, one end of the first span may restdirectly on a bank (and be suitably anchored thereto), and the distalend, below which the bank slopes down toward the body of water, can besupported on pilings, and a second span built out therefrom.

It is particularly noted that the structure can be extended laterally inan incremental fashion using basically the same method as is used forthe incremental longitudinal building of the structure, i.e. bysupporting a first construction component on the underlying earthformation, locking a second component to the first component incantilever fashion, extending support means downwardly from the secondcomponent into load bearing engagement with the earth formation, andfinally interlocking the second component to its support means forsupport thereby. However, due to the fact that the lateral connectionsbetween girders 12 are adapted to be made via the transom members 28,the step of locking the second component to the first in cantileverfashion will preferably be accomplished by first locking two or moretransom components to the first component and then locking the secondgirder in turn to the transom components. Such a modification might beused, for example, where an elongate structure such as a bridge is beingbuilt out lengthwise according to the present invention, and at selectedpoints along its length, widened areas are desired, e.g. to serve aspull-out points for vehicles which must, for one reason or another, stopon the bridge. Such modification might also be employed where astructure of irregular configuration is desired for some other reason.

Still other variations will suggest themselves to those of skill in theart. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionbe limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A construction system comprising:a plurality of longitudinal construction components each comprising a girder, said girders having primary locking means on their ends for locking said girders together in end-to-end relation; some of said primary locking means being primary male locks each of which comprises--an elongate connector member having a shank and a head rigidly carried on one end of said shank, said head having first and second transverse dimensions measured in perpendicular directions, said first transverse dimension being substantially greater than said second transverse dimension and further being substantially greater than the transverse dimension of said shank measured parallel to said first transverse dimension, a carrier member rigidly adjoined to such end of one of said girders and having a front face facing outwardly endwise of said one girder, a rear face at the opposite end from said front face, and a carrier bore extending therethrough from front to rear and receiving said connector member for longitudinal reciprocation, and securing means selectively interengageable between said connector member and said carrier member to limit forward movement of said connector member with respect to said carrier member; and others of said primary locking means being primary female locks each of which comprises--a receiving member rigidly adjoined to such end of another of said girders and having a front face facing outwardly endwise of said other girder, a rear face at the opposite end from said front face, and a receiving bore extending there-through from front to rear, said receiving bore having first and second transverse dimensions measured in perpendicular directions, said first transverse dimension of said receiving bore being greater than said first transverse dimension of said head, and said second transverse dimension of said receiving bore being greater than said second transverse dimension of said head but less than said first transverse dimension of said head.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein as to each of said receiving members said rear face has recess means extending longitudinally thereinto communicating with and extending outwardly from said receiving bore parallel to said second transverse dimension, said recess means being adapted to at least partially closely receive said head of said connector member when said first transverse dimension of said head is arranged parallel to said second transverse dimension of said receiving bore.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said girders has a plurality of auxiliary locking means along its lateral sides;and wherein said system further comprises a plurality of transom construction components having auxiliary locking means on their ends for cooperation with said auxiliary locking means on said girders.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein some of said auxiliary locking means are auxiliary male locks comprising such connector members, carrier members, and securing means, and others of said auxiliary locking means are auxiliary female locks comprising such receiving members.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said auxiliary locking means on said girders are such auxiliary female locks and said auxiliary locking means on said transom members are such auxiliary male locks.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each end of each of said girders has such primary locks of one gender on the righthand side and such primary locks of the other gender on the lefthand side.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein, as to each of said primary male locks, said shank is generally cylindrical with a diameter greater than or equal to said second transverse dimension of said head; andwherein, as to each of said primary female locks, said second transverse dimension of at least a portion of said receiving bore is sized for a sliding fit on such shank.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein, as to each of said primary male locks, at least a portion of said carrier bore is sized for a sliding fit on said shank.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said front faces of said carrier and receiving members have respective abutment portions configured to be engageable with each other without overlapping in the vertical direction.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said portion of said carrier bore is cylindrical and is disposed adjacent said rear face of said carrier member; andwherein said carrier bore has a front portion adjacent said front face of said carrier member configured to receive said head.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein, as to each of said male locks, said shank of said connector member has a threaded tail; andwherein each of said securing means comprises a nut threadedly engaged with said tail and having one end opposed to said rear face of said carrier member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein,as to each of said auxiliary male locks, said front face of said carrier member has a forwardly projecting shear bearing formation thereon, said shear bearing formation having an abutment surface facing transverse to said carrier bore; and as to each of said auxiliary female locks, said front face of said receiving member has a forwardly projecting shear bearing formation thereon, said shear bearing formation having an abutment surface facing transverse to said receiving bore and engageable with such abutment surface of one of said carrier members if said front face of said receiving member is placed in abutment with said front face of said one carrier member and the respective shank is disposed generally in both said carrier and receiving bores.
 13. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein,as to each of said auxiliary male locks, said front face of said carrier member has a forwardly projecting shear bearing formation thereon, said shear bearing formation having an abutment surface facing transverse to said carrier bore; and as to each of said auxiliary female locks, said front face of said receiving member has a forwardly projecting shear bearing formation thereon, said shear bearing formation having an abutment surface facing transverse to said receiving bore and engageable with such abutment surface of one of said carrier members if said front face of said receiving member is placed in abutment with said front face of said one carrier member and the respective shank is disposed generally in both said carrier and receiving bores.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said abutment surfaces extend laterally from their respective carrier or receiving bores.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each of said abutment surfaces has portions disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the respective bore, said abutment surface further having a notch therein between said portions in register with the respective bore.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said abutment surfaces have matable indexing formations for aligning said receiving bores with said carrier bores.
 17. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of guide means each defining a throughway for receipt of an elongate support member, and each rigidly affixed to one end of a respective one of said girders with the length of said throughway disposed transverse to the length of said girder as well as to the lateral side-to-side width of said girder.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of interlock means each associated with a respective one of said guide means and, when said throughway is generally vertically oriented and such support member is in said throughway, interengageable between said guide means and such support member to allow said guide means to be supported on such support member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each end of each of said girders has a channel opening outwardly endwise of said girder, and each of said guide means is disposed in the channel of the respective girder end to which it is so affixed.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein each of said channels is at least partially defined by a pair of arms extending longitudinally outwardly on opposite lateral sides of said girder, and as to each of those girder ends so affixed to a respective one of said guide means, said arms extend approximately half way across the respective guide means whereby the other half of said guide means protrudes endwise from said girder.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein at least some of said primary locking means are disposed on the outer ends of said arms.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein each of said guide means has flange means underlying the affixed girder end and extending at least partially along the half of said guide means so protruding from said girder.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein, as to each of said primary male locks, said shank is generally cylindrical with a diameter greater than or equal to said second transverse dimension of said head;wherein, as to each of said primary female locks, said second transverse dimension of at least a portion of said receiving bore is sized for a sliding fit on such shank; wherein, as to each of said primary male locks, at least a portion of said carrier bore is sized for a sliding fit on said shank; and wherein each of said girder arms has two of said primary locks of the same gender spaced vertically from each other, and as to each such arm carrying female locks, the receiving bore of the uppermost female lock has its first transverse dimension disposed generally horizontally, and the receiving bore of the lowermost female lock has its first transverse dimension disposed generally vertically. 